Conversion of glucose to sorbitol is greatly accelerated in diabetics, and that can cause dangerous complications over time. Since sorbitol can't exit from your cells very fast, and is not used in the body, it accumulates and attracts water. This causes the cells to swell, which can result in nerve, eye, kidney and blood vessel damage, as well as development of cataracts. (Sorbitol, Diabetic Complications, Type 2 Diabetes, Artificial Sweetener)

Diabetes is known to affect the shoulder in several ways. Frozen shoulder seems to be the most common - with up to 20% of diabetic patients developing it at some time or other. Diabetics not only get frozen shoulder more often than others but it lasts longer and is more painful for them when they do. (Diabetic Complications, Diabetes Care, Diabetes Treatment)

A little known but extremely powerful antioxidant nutrient is available in supplemental form called alpha lipoic acid. Alpha lipoic acid appears to be a wonder nutrient and it seems to work particularly well in diabetic patients. (Alpha Lipoic Acid, Diabetes Research, Diabetic Complications, Neuropathy)

Diabetes is a complicated disease--complicated to understand, complicated to treat. There are steps you can take to reduce your chances of developing complications, such as keeping your blood glucose and cholesterol levels in a healthy range.(retinopathy, diabetic neuropathy, diabetes management)

Stress results when something causes your body to behave as if it were under attack. When stress occurs, the body prepares to take action. This preparation is called the fight-or-flight response. In people who have diabetes, the fight-or-flight response does not work well. Insulin is not always able to let the extra energy into the cells, so glucose piles up in the blood. (Stress, Diabetic Complications, High Blood Sugar)

Researchers have linked dozens of physical symptoms to stress overload, from fatigue to weight gain. Add another symptom to that list: the risk for high blood sugar. Learn more about how to take control. (Diabetes Management and High Blood Sugar and Stress)

Your diabetic diet should be a well-balanced meal plan tailored to your individual needs, tastes, activity level and life style. Good diabetic meal planning will include carbohydrates, proteins and fats in amounts that will promote good diabetes control. Your dietitian may use diabetic food exchange lists to help you plan meals and snacks. (Diabetes Food and Diabetes Cooking)

Whether you have type 1 or type II diabetes or gestational diabetes, the goals of achieving control of blood glucose levels are similar: to keep blood glucose as close as possible to that of a person without diabetes.

High levels of iron in the blood may foreshadow the development of type 2 diabetes, a new study suggests. Research has shown that people with a genetic condition that causes huge elevations of iron in the blood are known to be at risk for type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to determine whether the diabetes link would hold true for healthy people with just mildly elevated levels of iron. (Diabetes Research)

Sugar has long had a bad reputation, especially among people with diabetes. People used to think that eating sugar would cause blood glucose levels to rise much more rapidly than eating other types of carbohydrates, such as bread or potatoes. It turns out that sugar's bad rap is not entirely deserved. Researchers are now finding that simple carbohydrates, such as sugar, and complex carbohydrates, such as bread and potatoes, are digested at the same rate. (Diabetes Diet and Recipes)

Diabetics have been aware of the benefit of low-carb diets for years. Now the general public has embraced the concept. Agatston, author of The South Beach Diet, takes the approach of urging dieters to eat "the right carbs" - fruits and vegetables and, eventually, whole grains - but it still means forgoing the "white carbs" - white potatoes, white bread, white rice and pasta (except for whole wheat pasta) - for the rest of your life.

the tendency of several conditions to occur together, including obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes or pre-diabetes, hypertension, and high lipids.

hyperinsulinemia (HY-per-IN-suh-lih-NEE-mee-uh)

a condition in which the level of insulin in the blood is higher than normal. Caused by overproduction of insulin by the body. Related to insulin resistance.

acanthosis nigricans (uh-kan-THO-sis NIH-grih-kans)

a skin condition characterized by darkened skin patches; common in people whose body is not responding correctly to the insulin that they make in their pancreas (insulin resistance). This skin condition is also seen in people who have pre-diabetes or Type 2 diabetes.

insulin resistance

the body's inability to respond to and use the insulin it produces. Insulin resistance may be linked to obesity, hypertension, and high levels of fat in the blood.

premixed insulin

a commercially produced combination of two different types of insulin. See 50/50 insulin and 70/30 insulin.

I Feel So Much Better! "I have been taking Glucobetic and have seen a remarkable difference. I actually am having a normal blood sugar reading everyday without fail. I just wish I had started this product a long time ago. I really do feel so much better - the sluggishness is gone and I feel like my old self again. Thanks !!"** - A. Workman, OK

*Many of the statements on this web site have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration or other government, research or academic body; any that were are so marked. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent diabetes or any disease. Information on this site is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. Not intended to diagnose or prescribe for medical or psychological conditions nor to claim to prevent, treat, mitigate or cure such conditions. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. Any products advertised are from third parties. You should read carefully all product packaging. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program. Do not discontinue the use of prescription medication without the approval of your physician.**Results not typical; your results may vary.

***Recipes provided usually include nutritional information and diabetic exchanges. Not all recipes are appropriate for all people. Please make sure a recipe is appropriate for your meal plan and pay careful attention to serving sizes. User is solely responsible for their use of any content provided.